Day 1. Arrival & Reykjavik

Day 2. The Beautiful South Coast

Pick up the car in the morning and leave Reykjavik. Cross the plateau Hellishei­i, with a lot of geothermal activity and plumes of steam rising from the ground. Numerous boreholes have been drilled on Hellishei­i in the last years for hot water and steam, some of the cleanest energy available. Stop at Hellishei­i Geothermal Powerplant where natural hot water and steam pressure from the ground is used for generating electricity. Here, you can enjoy an optional tour through the power station and and learn about the eco-friendly geo thermal energy. Drive to the village Hverager­i, at the foot of the mountain, east of the plateau where geothermal water is used to heat up greenhouses. Continue along the South Shore and see the Saga Centre at Hvolsv÷llur. Stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall in summer, a quite a unique experience. The impressive waterfall Skˇgafoss is a little further east and donĺt miss the Folk Museum at Skˇgar, close to the waterfall.
The glaciers Eyjafjallaj÷kull and Mřrdalsj÷kull are towering above. On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmv÷r­uhßls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallaj÷kull and Mřrdalsj÷kull. The eruption on Fimmv÷r­uhßls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallaj÷kull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Underneath the icecap of Mřrdalsj÷kull is Katla, one of Icelands most dangerous volcano. Make a short detour to the glacier Sˇlheimaj÷kull (passable only during summer) before continuing to Dyrhˇlaey, a natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds. Drive to Reynisdrangar with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations. The promontory at Dyrhˇlaey is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf with rich birdlife in summer. Continue to VÝk. A small village on the black beach. Make VÝk a turnaround point and return to Hvolsv÷llur for overnight.

Day 3. Landmannalaugar & Fjallabak route

Head inland to visit the Landmannalaugar area. The track passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains. The mountain track over Landmannalei­ offers some of the finest scenic views available throughout this fascinating region. Off the track there are various trails leading to the volcano Hekla, which is in view on and off to the south of the trail. Visit Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. The scenic interest in the area is tremendous. The surrounding mountains are perhaps the most varied and colourful in Iceland. This area is highly recommended for nature lovers and those interested in geology. It offers numerous hiking trails for long and short hikes. Lake Frostasta­avatn surrounded by colourful mountains and craters. From a side road near the western end of the lake, a short drive up to the rim of Ljˇtipollur a lake-filled crater. The trail proceeds cutting across some relatively recent lava streams and through the Dˇmadalur valley.
At Landmannalugar is a warden station, mountain hut and a popular camping site. Near the hut is a warm water pool created by the confluence of natural hot water and a cold water springs which issue within a short distance of one another from underneath the edge of the obsidian lavafield. Here you can take a relaxing bath in the beautiful and almost surreal surroundings. Continue on the Fjallabak route which is one of the most scenic trails in the interior highlands of Iceland, perhaps the most colourful and diversified of the many interesting mountain tracks, rugged colourful landscape of unsurpassed beauty. One of the highlights of the route is Eldgjß, one of the most interesting sights in this part of the country. Here nature has created a unique spectacle splitting mountains and valleys in its course creating a gigantic 30 km long gash into the earth, in some places is up to 600m wide and up to 200m deep. The volcanic fissure is considered to be the greatest of its kind on earth. ËfŠrufoss, used to be one of the country┤s most beautiful waterfall, framed by a natural bridge, arching over the rivers gorge that collapsed years ago. There is marvellous scenery along this route. Proceed to the Skaftßrdalur valley.

Day 4. Skaftafell National Park & The Awe-Inspiring Glacier Lagoon

At KirkjubŠjarklaustur see Kirkjugˇlfi­ (the Church Floor), a protected natural monument just east of Klaustur. Kirkjugˇlfi­ is columnar basalt, eroded and shaped by wind and water. Drive across Skei­arßrsandur, vast tracts of black sandy desert washed down by torrential glacial rivers and to Skaftafell National Park. Its natural beauty is a result of favourable weather conditions and the interaction of fire and ice in the past and the present. Beneath the Vatnaj÷kull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is GrÝmsv÷tn, one of Icelandĺs most active volcano. In the afternoon of 21. May 2011, a sub-glacial eruption started in the GrÝmsv÷tn volcanic system underneath Vatnaj÷kull Glacier. Later the same day, the eruption broke the ice cover of the glacier and started spewing volcanic ash into the air. The amount of ash fall was the greatest close to the village KirkjubŠjarklaustur. The eruption went on for about a week. It ceased on 28. May 2011. Stop at the Skaftafell National Park to see the interesting Visitors Center and for a walk. In the area are many interesting hiking trails. An interesting hiking trail takes you to the unique Svartifoss, one of Icelands most picturesque waterfall, famous for basalt columns, which surround it. A video of a volcanic eruption in the area in 1996 can also be viewed. Continue to J÷kulsßrlˇn, the Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the deep waters of the lagoon and seals are frequently seen. A cruise among the icebergs on the Lagoon is available in summer. From here, continue east towards H÷fn for an overnight stay. The Glacier Exhibition at H÷fn is a very interesting place to visit, not to be missed and snowmobiling tours are available on the Vatnaj÷kull glacier in summer.

Day 5. The Tranquil East Fjords & The Amazing Landscape of Lake Mřvatn

From H÷fn, continue to Lˇns÷rŠfi, a mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes and traversed by glacial rivers. Drive past towering mountains with bare rock faces that plunge almost vertically into the sea. Proceed to the magnificent East Fjords, some are now deserted and each a world of its own. Continue to Egilssta­ir and then across the highland desert plateau towards Lake Mřvatn. Make a detour to Dettifoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. Stop at Nßmaskar­ Pass where boiling mud pools and flashing colors of the pass merge with lava and ash from the Krafla volcanic system. The Lake Mřvatn area is known worldwide for the abundance of birdlife and itĺs exceptionally many breeding duck species. The lake's surroundings show great variety in stunning landscapes and amazing geological formations. Stop at Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Castles" and see the pseudo craters near Sk˙tusta­ir and many other scenic spots in the area surrounding the lake. The Nature Baths at Mřvatn are a great attraction where one can take a bath in geothermal water in the open air.

Day 6. H˙savik village and The Capital of The North Akureyri

Drive to H˙savÝk, sometimes called ôThe Whale Spotting Capital of The Worldö. H˙savÝk was the first place in Iceland to offer Whale Watching cruises. The Whale Museum in H˙savÝk is an educational information centre on marine wildlife. In the morning we suggest a Whale watching tour and a visit to the Whale Centre at H˙savÝk. In the afternoon head towards Akureyri, the capital of the North and stop at the beautiful waterfall Go­afoss. Akureyri town, situated at the Eyjafj÷r­ur Fjord is the northern centre of education, culture, trade and industry. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri is its warm climate. Although its sits only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, it has some of the best weather in the country. See the Botanical Gardens and some of the many museums and art galleries. If time allows we suggest a circle trip through the Eyjafj÷r­ur valleys. During summer, popular sightseeing flights are available from Akureyri to GrÝmsey Island, situated on the Arctic Circle. Drive through the majestic mountains and narrow passes of Íxnadalur Valley and Íxnadalshei­i Pass, which leads to the district of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding. Popular horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available here. In the upper reaches of Skagafjordur, you will also be able to join some of the best white water rafting in Iceland. We strongly recommend that you see the GlaumbŠr Folk Museum where you can learn how Icelanders used to live in the past. The museum is open during the summer and the tiny old church at VÝ­imřri, is also worth a visit. Hˇlar is an interesting historical place to visit. At Hofsˇs town, see the interesting Emigration Center and museum.

Explore Tr÷llaskagi Peninsula. Take road 82 to the north along the western shore of Eyjafj÷r­ur Fjord to DalvÝk town. Drive further to the north to Ëlafsfj÷r­ur town. Take a narrow tunnel to Ëlafsfj÷r­ur.
An approximately 11 km new tunnel has recently been opened that cuts driving distance between Siglufj÷r­ur and Ëlafsfj÷r­ur by about 47 km. It enables easy access to the isolated and pretty HÚ­insfj÷r­ur valley that in the past used to be the most remote settlement in North Iceland. Due to the remoteness, the valley was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century. This is a great hiking area. The tunnel is in two sections: Siglufj÷r­ur to HÚ­insfj÷r­ur: 3.7 km and from HÚ­infj÷r­ur to Ëlafsfj÷r­ur 6.9 km
Siglufj÷r­ur fishing town, a remotely located fishing town that during the herring boom in early 20th century used to be the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland. Visit the award-winning Siglufj÷r­ur Herring Era Museum. It charts the rise and decline of the former "Herring Capital of the World" and the great Herring Adventure that lasted until 1968. Continue on 76 to the south along the shores of Skagafj÷r­ur Fjord to Hofsˇs town and further to Sau­ßrkrˇkur.

Day 7. Skagafj÷r­ur & SnŠfellsnes Peninsula

Start the day by driving to the charming village of Stykkishˇlmur. Spend the day to explore the countless natural wonders of the SnŠfellsnes peninsula that divides the west coast of Iceland into two large bays. Head to the west towards the tip of the peninsula, passing the small fishing towns Grundarfj÷r­ur, ËlafsvÝk, Rif and Hellissandur. Much of interesting geological phenomena and historic sites can be found in the SnŠfellsj÷kull National Park, the most recent one in Iceland. Among many places of interest are DritvÝk, Dj˙palˇnssandur and Índver­arnes a former fishing station. Make a short detour to Dj˙palˇnssandur and take a short walk along a marked path to the beach. Drive around the tip of the peninsula at the foot of SnŠfellsj÷kull, a glaciated volcano, the backdrop for the famous novel ôThe Journey to the Centre of the Earthö written by the famous French author, Jules Verne. Ů˙fubjarg is a spectacular cliff and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds, only a few minutesĺ walk from the road, shortly after passing Lˇndrangar. Continue to Arnarstapi and Hellnar to view beautiful and spectacular coast and interesting birdlife. There is an interesting museum at Hellnar. Visit B˙­ir, a pretty site located on a natural inlet. From B˙­ir continue east along the south coast of the peninsula. Seals can often be seen on land or in the water at the farm Ytri Tunga, only a few hundred meters drive from the main road.

Day 8. Borgarfj÷r­ur & Ůingvellir National Park

In the morning we suggest a very special cruise from Stykkishˇlmur, among the numerous islands of the Brei­afj÷r­ur bay with its unique birdlife. Puffins Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Eiders and many other bird species nest here in great numbers during summer. The White Tailed Eagles nest here too and are frequently seen. This is an unforgettable experience and takes a little more than two hours. The cruise is available daily at 11:00 from 14. May ľ 15. October and at 11:00 on Tuesdays from 15. January - 03. December. Please call 433 2254 for details. In the afternoon head for Borgarnes. Enroute you will be passing a number of volcanic craters on both sides of the road, Eldborg being the largest and most beautiful shape. Shortly before reaching Borgarnes head towards Reykholt on. Stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the largest hot spring in Europe. Continue a short distance further to the historic site Reykholt. Visit the interesting museum at Reykholt and see the hot pool Snorralaug. Drive further inland to the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafossar Waterfalls. Continue to H˙safell, a small birch forest at the edge of the Highlands. Take the Kaldidalur highland road, 550 south to Ůingvellir National Park, a unique place from a geological point of view and a place of great beauty. Research has shown that Ůingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale. The faults and fissures of the area are clear evidence of the rifting of the earth's crust. Ůingvellir is also the most historical place in the country and a place of exceptional beauty. Drive from Ůingvellir to Laugarvatn for overnight in the area.

Day 9. The Great Golden Circle & A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon

Head further inland to explore the great Geysir hot spring area and see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. The Geysir Service Centre consists of a restaurant, hotel, swimming pool, souvenir shop, snack bar, gas station, a geo-centre multimedia show, horse rental, quad bike tours, and a camping area. From here, drive to the waterfall Gullfoss one of Icelandĺs most beautiful waterfall. Make Gullfoss a turnaround point and drive back past Geysir and stop to see the Faxi a pretty waterfall, situated a few steps from the road but not visible from the there. Look for the small Faxi sign on your left. Drive further to the volcanic crater Keri­. Continue to the main circular highway, 1 and head for ReykjavÝk across the plateau Hellishei­i. Before crossing Hellishei­i, stop for a drive around the small town Hverager­i where geothermal water is harnessed for heating greenhouses for cultivating decorative flowers. Hverager­i suffered considerable damage during the major earthquake that shook Iceland in late May, the year 2008. There is a lot of geothermal activity on Hellishei­i, where numerous boreholes have been drilled in the last years for hot water and steam under high pressure, currently harnessed for generating electricity. Close up the circle to Reykjavik. Drive to the Blue Lagoon before you end the tour at your hotel in ReykjavÝk. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon in an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Filled with mineral-rich waters, the Blue Lagoon has become famous for providing soothing relief for sufferers of skin disorders, as well as for others simply looking for a sensational bathing experience. Soak in the refreshing waters of the lagoon and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland that ensures you will be fully relaxed when you leave the country. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. It can be booked at www.bluelagoon.com Return to ReykjavÝk. Drop off the car and overnight in ReykjavÝk.

Day 10. Departure

A Flybus transfer from the hotel to Keflavik airport

ACCOMMODATION

Cat 1

Rooms in guesthouses with shared facilities but sometimes with washbasins in the rooms. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.

Cat 2

Rooms in guesthouses or hotels with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included.

Cat 3

Rooms in the best quality accommodation available with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another.Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.

CARS

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: AutomaticSeats: 5Suitcases: 4Doors: 5

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

Drop off is in ReykjavÝk the day prior to your departure ľ day 9.

An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.

Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
The highland tracks of Iceland are usually not expected to be open until the middle of June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car. Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the clientĺs wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category and not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.
Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
Please note that some activities described may only be available during summer.

Information on weather and road conditions are available at http://www.vegagerdin.is/english/road-conditions-and-weather/.
Map displayed is only for quick reference and is not to scale.

Travel Insurance:
To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

Price Calculator:
There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

Note:
Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don┤t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.